The exact range of the missle is uncertain so what it can hit is also uncertain. Alaska is nearly certain. Hawaii and the north west cost is possible. Some have suggested as much as the whole west coast but that has not been established, although realalistic eventual upgrades of the Taepodong 2, could easily hit all of the west coast and beyond, but they might be years away.
Taep’o-dong 2
Range: 6,000-9,000 km
missilethreat.com
shaps.hawaii.edu
"TAEPODONG-2 MISSILE
The Taepodong-2 long-range missile is currently thought to be under development.
It is estimated that the Taepodong-2 would have a range of between 5,000 and 6,000km, putting Alaska, Hawaii and parts of the west coast of the US within range.
However, it is not thought that the missile would be particularly accurate or that it could carry a large warhead. Like the Taepodong-1, it requires a fixed launch site. "
news.bbc.co.uk
"Ri's words came amid continuing signs that North Korea is preparing to test-launch a Taepodong-2 missile. The multistage missile has a range of 9,320 miles, according to North Korea, and is capable of reaching the USA.
North Korea may have as many as 13 nuclear weapons, according to the Institute for Science and Security, a Washington think tank. The Taepodong-2 is believed to be capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.
National security adviser Stephen Hadley said it was difficult to judge whether North Korea had actually completed fueling a missile in preparation for a test.
"They seem to be moving forward toward a launch, but the intelligence is not conclusive at this point," he said. "
usatoday.com
It is clear that the estimates vary widely. 5,000 km could hit part of Alaska. If you believe the North Koreans and the range is 9,320 miles it could hit the east coast and Europe, but personally I think they are just bragging and trying to exaggerate the threat.
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Bush has made both North Korea and Iran more dangerous and unstable.
What a silly statement. Their nuclear ambitions have been active since long before Bush came in to office. |
